The F-35B fighter jet carried out its first flight test with the British-made SPEAR 3 mini cruise missile. The system could enter service in 2028-2029.
MBDA announced that the F-35B Lightning II successfully completed its first flight test with the British-developed SPEAR 3 mini cruise missile.
According to the company, the test flight was conducted earlier this year from Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
During the test, the flight performance of four long-range munitions integrated into the Lockheed Martin-built F-35B was evaluated.
Test Conducted by a Royal Navy Pilot
MBDA stated that the flight was carried out by a British Royal Navy F-35B test pilot.
The company also noted that the data collected during the flight is currently being analyzed, while preparations continue for the next phase involving mission system integration and missile release tests.
First Flight Took Place Four Years Later Than Planned
Due to technical issues within the SPEAR 3 program, regarded as one of the UK defense industry’s major projects, the first flight test was completed approximately four years later than originally scheduled.
The next-generation munition is intended to provide the United Kingdom’s F-35 fleet with long-range precision strike capability.
F-35B Will Be Able to Carry Up to Eight SPEAR 3 Missiles
The F-35 Joint Program Office emphasized that the integration is critically important for the United Kingdom’s air strike capability.
According to the statement, once full integration is completed, the F-35B will be capable of carrying up to eight SPEAR 3 missiles.
This configuration is expected to significantly increase the aircraft’s precision strike capability while preserving its stealth characteristics.
Previously Tested on the Eurofighter Typhoon
SPEAR 3 integration efforts had previously been tested on the Eurofighter Typhoon platform.
The missile’s performance was evaluated during a live-fire test conducted in 2024 at the Vidsel Test Range.
100-Kilometer Range
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the SPEAR 3 can strike targets at a range of approximately 100 kilometers.
The missile is expected to be effective against a wide range of threats, including air defense systems, warships, tanks, and high-speed ground targets.
Target Integration Date: 2028-2029
Luke Pollard announced in April that full integration of the SPEAR 3 missile onto the F-35 platform is targeted for the 2028-2029 fiscal year.
